Tristan Thompson is a long-time admirer of Dennis Rodman, so he’s thrilled to be playing in the city where “The Worm” won three championships, writes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Thompson signed with the Bulls last weekend after being waived by Indiana, and he hopes to emulate the success that Rodman had with the team.
“He was the first person I believe in this league in NBA history to be a star in their role,” Thompson said. “I remember saying that exact quote, saying ‘be a star in a role’ when we were on those runs in Cleveland, making those championship runs. He was definitely the definition of being a star in a role and that was something that I wanted to embody in my game.”
Thompson’s extensive playoff experience with the Cavaliers makes him an ideal addition for a team that needed a veteran big man to come off its bench. He’s already impressing his new teammates with his attention to detail.
“Even when he was in practice (Wednesday) night, things that he (saw) he’d chime in and correct right away,” DeMar DeRozan said. “He understands the game. He has a championship. He’s played on great teams. So he see a lot of things and jumped on it right away. He’s not hesitated to speak up and that’s a true leader.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- The Bulls remain optimistic that Patrick Williams will be able to return this season after undergoing surgery on his left wrist in October, but he has several hurdles to clear before playing again, Poe states in a separate story. Williams has been shooting for months, but doctors want him to build up more strength in the wrist before clearing him for contact. Once that happens, he’ll have to go through practices and 5-on-5 scrimmages to get him ready for game action. With just six weeks left in the regular season, it’s uncertain how many games Williams might be available for.
- Along with Williams, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are expected to return from injuries at some point, which will present a new coaching challenge for Billy Donovan, Poe adds. “It’s much harder to reincorporate a player back into the rotation who’s been out for an extended period of time and doesn’t have a rhythm,” Donovan said. “We’re going to have guys moving in different roles, different situations. So there’s going to be another iteration of our team at some point in time where we’re going to have a very, very small number of games to try to be playing really good basketball.”
- The Bulls have the fifth-best record in the league at 39-22, but they haven’t been impressive against likely playoff teams, notes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Saturday’s loss to Memphis left Chicago at 4-6 against the top six teams in the West and 2-8 against the six best teams in the East.
The record is a little lopsided. Have they been healthy in those Ganda against the east? The main thing will be health for this team. I have them as a 2nd round exit but I hope they prove me wrong.
Games*** smh
They haven’t had the entire roster healthy since game 6 or 7 of the season. So hard to say what the full roster could do. In most of those competitive team losses, they have kept it close, getting blown out 3 times. Memphis, for example, was within 2 points after being down 17. So they have scored their way to victory against good teams, but lost games where they were missing key defensive players, most importantly Ball and Caruso, but not insignificantly ‘energy’ guys like Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr. So with everyone ready, they could be tough. Without defense, DeRozan has been the second coming of MJ and they have needed it.
With all their roster, I think only Philly and Brooklyn pose real challenges in the East. They have played Milwaukee well, and all 3 of those might be a better match with Thompson grabbing boards, which has been the weak spot.
Most of the Bulls losses against playoff teams have come against teams with huge fronts. I thought Thompson might be employed alongside Vujevic against those lineups but Billy so far has shown no inclination to do that. Even if Williams comes back totally healthy he’s still basically an undersized 4. Anyway Bulls would only play Grizzlies in the finals if they both got there so not a big concern. Bucks, Heat and Sixers are much bigger lineups to worry about. Might still need another big buyout signing if the right guy is out there.
Yes. I wanted to see the two bigs approach in the closing mins of the Memphis loss, they were giving up too many second chance shots, and missing tip ins that would have given them the lead late.
Does one become an admirer of Dennis Rodman before or after the STDs set in?
Man give the dude some respect, he was a great competitor and forged his own path at a time when it was much harder to be different than it is now.
He should have stayed with Madonna…that was a perfect match…quarantined, that is…
I predict that Patrick Williams aka flowerchild won’t be back for at least a month…nostraDunker
Flower child?
You must not watch a lot of NBA. When he was drafted he talked about working at his mom’s flower shop. Also he is skilled but peaceful and cheerful.
Oh yes. Clearly I don’t watch “much” NBA because I missed that.
League pass is pricey but real fans make it work…
He is probably a non factor for the playoffs as he will have to learn how to play with all the new team mates. He has not really had many minutes with them. Might as well bring him back slowly.
To prove my point about the officiating 2 Knicks C’s just fouled out on consecutive plays where the Philly player basically ran like 5 steps and ran into them and no traveling? PLEASE!!
You’re seeing things lol.
Embiid has fouled them out. And he does get cheap calls. Cause he cries. But Knicks are not set with their feet. So you can’t give them the calls. You got to get in front and stay there.
Agreed. They need to work on setting their feet. Good call.
You’re both wrong. How can you foul somebody when the violation occurs BEFORE I even hit you? Who cares whether their feet are set or not? Has nothing to do with my point about the horrible officiating.
It’s just a game you’re too worked up. Don’t get mad at me and Al.
Dude they aren’t walking. Not the fouls on Mitch and Simms anyway. Both are young and taken to school by Embiid. I’m a Knicks fan I would say so.
Bulls with a full squad are a good team. But they are still unproven. You prove yourself in the playoffs. Against the better teams. In a seven gm series. It’s not easy to beat the same team 4 times. It takes team effort and focus on detail. It’s about matchups and players stepping up. Including role players. If anything Bulls injuries should of gotten mins for players. They will need to show up in playoffs. I like Williams, he’s a big 3 to me. He’s a solid team player. Who does a lot of things that are not in stats. Having him helps. I’m going to watch Bulls. See who steps up
Focus on detail has cost most othese Ls against top teams in the East like the 2 loses vs Phi in the start of the season and Mia in Chi. Hopefully they learn from it come playoff time
“Focus on detail has cost most othese Ls against top teams in the East like the 2 loses”
Seriously dude, pull it together just a little. We are all rooting for you.